Safer circuit procedures
Dick Smith's request for a dispensation from CASA
By Dick Smith
Jun 5, 2008, 14:27

15 January 2008

Malcolm Campbell

Team Leader – Flying Operations

Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Sydney Regional Office

PO Box CP57

CONDELL PARK  NSW  2200

Dear Malcolm

I notice CAR 166 (4) states that the pilot in command of an aircraft may join the circuit pattern at a non-controlled aerodrome on the base leg, for the direction in which a landing is to be undertaken, if CASA has given approval to do so and details of the approval have been published in AIP.

I hereby apply for this approval.  I wish to join on base when it is safer to do so – i.e. when, as an experienced pilot, I have judged that joining on base will not only save time, money and greenhouse gases, but will improve safety.

I would also like to apply for a dispensation to conduct a straight in approach of less than 5 miles when it is safer to do so.

I point out your CEO’s Directive 001/2007.  Note that the Directive states:

“Where appropriate, the aviation safety regulation are to be aligned with the standards and practices of leading aviation countries, unless differences are required to address the Australian aviation environment and these differences can be justified on safety risk grounds.  Where the standards and practices of the leading aviation countries vary, CASA will align its regulations with those that effectively address the safety risks in the most cost-effective manner.”

I point out that in other leading aviation countries there is not a prescriptive requirement which precludes a pilot from joining on base or on a shorter final than 5 nautical miles.

Best regards

Dick Smith